Catch up on the day 12 World Cup highlights here: Messi continues to etch his name in history, outshining Mbappe and Haaland.

The Highlights

The day kicked off with a resounding performance from Portugal in Group K. After a disappointing draw against DR Congo in their opener, the Seleção das Quinas rebounded emphatically, demolishing Uzbekistan 5-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo stealing the spotlight. CR7 netted a brace, making history as the first player to score in six World Cups and surpassing Eusébio to become Portugal's all-time leading scorer in the tournament. Nuno Mendes added to the tally with a stunning free kick, Rafael Leão found the net, and an own goal from Nematov sealed a decisive victory, paving Portugal's way to the knockout stage.

In Group L, England faced difficulties in breaking through the ultra-defensive setup orchestrated by Carlos Queiroz, settling for a frustrating goalless draw against Ghana (0-0). Following a dominant display against Croatia, the Three Lions appeared uninspired and lacked creativity, continually thwarted by the African side's robust defense.

As the match neared its conclusion, Harry Kane squandered a golden opportunity from close range. Prior to the game, Nana Kwaku Bonsam, a renowned Ghanaian witch doctor, had vowed to diminish Kane's impact, claiming success in a similar approach against Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2014 World Cup. Whether superstition or reality, Kane's failure to score suggested the ritual may have worked.

Next up was a crucial encounter between Croatia and Panama (0-1) in Toronto. After a lackluster first half with minimal opportunities, Croatian coach made a pivotal decision by introducing Ante Budimir at halftime, who promptly scored the match's only goal from a cross by Josip Stanisic. Dominik Livakovic made several crucial saves to maintain the lead, allowing Luka Modric to celebrate his 200th international cap with a victory, while Panama faced their fifth consecutive World Cup defeat, resulting in their mathematical elimination.

Meanwhile, Colombia showcased their prowess with a 1-0 victory over D.R. Congo in a Guadalajara Stadium filled with yellow. Néstor Lorenzo's team dominated much of the match, yet they faced a formidable wall in Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, who made eight spectacular saves.

The Congolese defense finally cracked in the 76th minute when defender Daniel Munoz scored, assisted by Juan Fernando Quintero and Jhon Córdoba. This marked Munoz as only the fifth defender in World Cup history to score in both of his first two matches in the tournament.

Player of the Day

Amidst a whirlwind of criticism following the opening draw, Cristiano Ronaldo rose to the occasion, responding in his trademark style: with goals. The captain netted a brace, leading Portugal to a resounding victory over Uzbekistan and earning an impressive rating of 8.6 in the newly enhanced evaluation system.

With his first goal, Ronaldo etched his name in the record books as the first player in football history to score in six World Cups – a remarkable Guinness World Record! With the second, he surpassed Eusébio to become Portugal's all-time leading scorer in World Cup finals, tallying ten goals.

This brace also propelled him into the top 10 all-time World Cup scorers, joining the ranks of Germany's Helmut Rahn and Thomas Muller, Peruvian Teofilo Cubillas (a former FC Porto player), Poland's Grzegorz Lato, England's Gary Lineker and Harry Kane, and Argentina's Gabriel Batistuta.

"I always show up. Sooner or later, I'm there. I'll keep doing my job. I really believe in what I do. My career has always been like this", stated the captain of the Seleção das Quinas after the match.

In summary, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered his response where it truly counts: on the pitch. As Pablo Gallego, editor-in-chief of the French newsroom, aptly noted, "doubting Cristiano Ronaldo is madness... or hatred". Spot on!

Goal of the Day

Despite a day characterized by a goalless draw and two narrow victories, Portugal's 5-0 triumph over Uzbekistan injected vibrancy into the World Cup festivities on North American shores.

The highlight was Nuno Mendes's striking goal from a direct free kick, which took everyone by surprise. While spectators anticipated Cristiano Ronaldo to take the kick, it was the left-back who unleashed a powerful shot with his left foot, bypassing Nematov to score his first World Cup goal.

"Everyone thinks Cristiano will take every free kick. At that moment, he said: 'I'll pretend I'm going to take it and you hit the ball.' It worked out," explained Nuno Mendes.

Cristiano Ronaldo corroborated the plan: "I was going to take it, but I suggested we trick the goalkeeper and have Nuno strike it hard, because it would lead to a goal". And it did.

Best of Social Media

This was one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the 2026 World Cup. Among the throngs of fans at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara for Colombia vs DR Congo was Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, one of the globe's most recognized supporters. The Congolese fan missed the first match due to isolation measures stemming from the Ebola epidemic but managed to attend his national team's second Group K game.

Mboladinga, 49, gained fame for his statue-like presence in the stands, standing upright with a fixed gaze and his right arm raised, all while donning vibrant suits inspired by the national flag. "I stay still because I believe it gives the team emotional strength," he told the Wall Street Journal.

Read also - World Cup 2026: Legendary DR Congo fan joins the official delegation

This gesture, which went viral during AFCON 2025, emulates a statue of Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of independent Congo and a pivotal figure in the African independence movement, who was assassinated in 1961. Known as "Lumumba Vea", meaning "Lumumba lives", Mboladinga insists that the sacrifice pales in comparison to the love he holds for his national team. Truly iconic!

Returning to Portugal's victory, influencer Speed, one of Cristiano Ronaldo's most ardent supporters, couldn't conceal his elation when the Portuguese star scored his first goal of the World Cup.

Former teammate Rio Ferdinand was also caught up in the moment, celebrating with palpable enthusiasm.